because silence is not an option

Election Antics in Ngeria

The General election is fast approaching, and there is no way you haven’t seen the rallies and campaigns, haven’t heard of the promises of security and good roads, even the sudden drop in fuel price. Yes, a miraculous coincidence that the price of petrol suddenly reduced weeks before election, a feat the Occupy Nigeria protest of 2012 couldn’t achieve. It’s also possible you have received the PDP customised agege bread or rice or palmed off between N500 to N2000 to attend rallies and maybe influence your vote, and why shouldn’t you?

I mean, I think if you deftly manage that agege bread, cut thin slices everyday and not be tempted by greed, it’s possible to feed yourself with it for the rest of your life. In fact, if you are innovative enough, you could even invest it and reap security, safe transport system, employment and even medical treatments in return for yourself and coming generations.

Even more pertinent are the celebrities who have decided that they’ve done enough in the entertainment field and so, a political calling is imminent. According to Kate Offiong Henshaw, yes Offiong is also her name. She remembered it just in time for the campaign;

“I have a strong interest and desire to serve my people and especially show that there is a better more humane way to do things when you are in a position of leadership. Putting the people first and being accountable to them as well as being accessible”.

The same Offiong who participated in the Occupy Nigeria, protesting against the removal of fuel subsidy during Jonathan’s term, now campaigns alongside him. Her sudden desire to serve her people is very timely. This desire has also risen in other celebrities; Desmond Elliot, Desmond Olusola Elliot, Abolore Akande, Yemi Solade, Julius Agwu, Bob Manuel and some more.

You’d think they would start with a campaign against malaria, raising awareness against HIV, adopting maybe, starting an orphanage, or even putting up a post about the recent Baga incidence. Better still, just like the renaissance use their art form as a way of enlightening the people and criticising the government act, the likes of Fela, Eedris Abdulkareem, instead of regurgitating stale plots.

Musicians also readily join in these political campaigns, beating the drum of the highest bidder, further stealing from the same people who have enriched their pockets and supported their talents.

If only Nigerians will realise their power in unity, lay aside all tribal and religious prejudice and demand change. A good start would be boycotting all entertainers who have been paid to lull their fans in favour of a party, taking to social media to criticise the government, calling global attention by action not self-pity or despair and demanding accountability from leaders.

How else can one explain his audacity to re-contest after the statement;

“Four years is enough for anyone in power to make significant improvement, and if I can’t improve on power [electricity] within this period, it means I cannot do anything, even if I am there for the next four years.” (February 2011 campaign)

Not only is electricity in Nigeria abysmal, the 30 million dollars worth of debt which the ex president, Olusegun Obasanjo, paid off during his tenure is not only back in the nation’s debt books, the country still borrows. The insurgence in the north has gained momentum, conspiracy or not, a true leader would’ve uncovered the scheme, preventing the deaths of citizens he was sworn in to protect.